ARS 238 Clay, Fire, & Soda
During this hands-on studio course, students will learn how to create various forms of ceramic wheel-thrown pottery, and how to load and fire the soda kiln. Soda firing is a high-fire process of introducing sodium carbonate and bicarbonate into the gas kiln at temperatures around 2300 degrees Fahrenheit. The soda interacts with the clay and glaze surfaces in unpredictable but exciting ways. This course will introduce the history and science of atmospheric firing, contemporary applications and the artists using this method of firing ceramics. Students in this course can expect to spend time outside of class working on ceramic projects in the studio and firing kilns, this may include evening and weekend firing shifts.